Changes to bird shows, markets and gatherings general licences have been announced following outbreaks of bird flu.

Changes to bird shows, markets and gatherings general licences have been announced following outbreaks of bird flu in the UK. Following a risk assessment and the introduction of a Great Britain-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, the General Bird Gathering Licences have been amended to prohibit gatherings of poultry and specified species of birds.

From 8 November 2021 no gatherings of poultry, galliforme birds or anseriforme birds are permitted. Galliforme birds include pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl. Anseriforme birds include ducks, geese and swans. 

Gatherings of all other types of birds except poultry, galliforme and anseriforme birds are permitted, provided that the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has been notified of the gathering at least 7 days before the event and that the gathering meets all the requirements of the general licence.

Gatherings include (but are not limited to) bird fairs, markets, shows, sales, exhibitions and some premises used for dealing or internet sales. In addition, vehicles used to transport live birds where the birds are brought together from multiple premises (so called many-to-one or many-to-many activities) are also considered gatherings.

This comes as an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Great Britain effective from 5pm on 3 November 2021. The AIPZ means all bird keepers in Great Britain (whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) are required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions.

Further information is available on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-gatherings-licences, GOV.SCOT: https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-outbreaks/ and GOV.WALES: https://gov.wales/bird-gatherings-general-licence-gatherings